The Counseling Center’s third annual ‘Natural High 5K Run-Walk’ will be held Oct. 15, and organizers emphasize there’s still time to register. The event raises money for drug prevention and outreach activities, such as the nine-week Summer Outreach Club camp that children are able to attend for free.

Susan McComas, The Counseling Center’s director of resource development, said registration levels so far have been low. However, that might not mean much considering the event has been successful in the past and runners often prefer to register on the day of events.

“We had a lot of positive feedback from last year’s event, so we feel confident in the type of event we have organized,” McComas said.

Still, McComas said pre-registering makes it easier to ensure participants receive shirts in their size.

“We had over 200 last year, and registration (this year) is low. I would like to see more people sign up to not only have fun, but to support prevention outreach activities for our youth,” McComas said.

McComas also said it is possible to support prevention outreach activities without participating in the actual event by simply making a donation or sponsoring a runner who cannot afford the registration.

“We do have a Wellness and Health Program here at The Counseling Center for clients, so there will be participation from them in the race,” McComas said. “We do need donations to cover the cost of their shirt and participation in the race.”

Prospective runners can pre-register at www.active.com, or can download a registration form from www.thecounselingcenter.org. They can also register for the race on the day of the event at 8 a.m.

The race will begin at 9 a.m. Participants will be able to receive medals, awards and goody bags. For more information, call 740-354-6685.

ERIC KEPHAS can be reached at 740-353-3101 ext. 234 or ekephas@heartlandpublications.com